Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu (centre) talks to lawmakers at the Legislative Council after the passage of Article 23, on March 19. After years of blaming political opposition and filibustering for a lack of progress on the issues that matter to Hongkongers, the city government no longer has any excuses for its inaction. Photo: EPA-EFE
Opinion
Tik Chi Yuen
Tik Chi Yuen
No more excuses: time for government to make Hongkongers’ lives better
The government’s familiar excuses of political opposition and filibustering no longer apply now that Hong Kong has passed Article 23 legislation
It is time to turn talk of economic growth and new ideas into reality and improve the lives of residents whose trust in the city’s leadership has waned
After the Legislative Council passed the Article 23 national security legislation, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu paid a surprise visit to the legislature later that day. In his speech, he made it clear that the city government, now unburdened by political obstacles, would go all out in turbocharging the economy and uplifting the lives of the people.
In the past, government officials have blamed political opposition and filibustering in the Legislative Council for impeding effective governance. Now, with changes to the electoral system and the Article 23 legislation in place, these hurdles have been cleared. The excuse of political hindrance is no longer valid.
The government cannot continue to sit on its hands or make excuses. It’s high time we held the chief executive and officials accountable, ensuring that their rhetoric of economic growth and improved livelihoods becomes tangible reality.
Hong Kong is dealing with a host of issues, including an uncertain economic outlook and its struggle to find a clear path for economic development. On top of that, the government faces budget deficits and the need to address various social issues such as an ageing population, demand for mental health services, poverty alleviation and more. How can the government tackle these challenges while also driving economic growth and enhancing the well-being of its citizens?
To kick-start progress, the government must paint a compelling vision for the future by laying out a five-year development blueprint. It’s not enough to simply propose development plans as we have seen previous plans end up as mere pipe dreams or fall short of delivering the expected results.
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It’s time for the government to move beyond empty promises and turn its words into actions. The five-year development blueprint should have at least two key indicators: GDP growth and employment growth, with a particular focus on youth employment.
These measurable goals will demonstrate the effectiveness of the government’s efforts. While there are various approaches to achieving these targets, the emphasis should be on actual results. Key performance indicators should not just describe what have been done but also highlight what have been achieved.
Furthermore, as external obstacles to governance ease, it’s time for the government to shake off the bureaucratic red tape and revamp its internal operations. Many governance problems stem from internal roadblocks and departmental barriers, resulting in inefficiency and lacklustre performance.
The three new deputy secretaries should lead the charge in guiding different departments towards implementing policies promptly and fostering seamless collaboration. The outdated internal machinery of the government only leads to half-hearted efforts and holds back progress.
Another pressing matter is the need to build bridges between officials and the public, re-establishing trust and garnering the support of the people. Despite the government organising numerous high-profile events in recent years, criticism and complaints from citizens continue to flood in.
Ignoring these sentiments would be turning a blind eye to the reality that such negativity poses a hurdle to effective governance. Therefore, winning public support should be a top priority for the Hong Kong government.
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One year with Hong Kong leader John Lee: Is he on the right track? | Talking Post with Yonden Lhatoo
The government must find ways to forge authentic connections between officials and the public. While officials have made attempts to engage with the public through social media, these interactions often feel distant and detached. The virtual sphere falls short in nurturing genuine relationships. It would be far more impactful for officials to visit local markets, partake in morning exercises and engage in face-to-face interactions with the public.
There is also a pressing need for officials to strengthen their relationship with the public and enhance the government’s standing in the public’s eyes. They should spend more time outside their offices engaging with the community. This will contribute to their own physical and mental well-being as well as foster stronger connections, rather than relying solely on social media platforms from the confines of their offices.
Also, embracing diverse participation and listening to different voices is crucial. The voices in Legco and various consultative committees today lack the necessary diversity. They all seem to be singing the government’s tune, creating an echo chamber.
If the government only listens to a narrow range of opinions, it will undoubtedly develop blind spots and struggle to govern effectively. The recent controversy surrounding the waste charging scheme is a prime example of hasty, ill-considered implementation leading to more problems and delays.
Billboards promoting the government’s waste-charging scheme are seen at a bus stop in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay district on January 22. The scheme, which has already been delayed twice, is set to be rolled out citywide on August 1 following a trial at 14 locations that began this week. Photo: May Tse
Therefore, the government needs to adopt a more open-minded approach. When seeking public opinions, it should incorporate different voices. At the very least, the consultative committees should invite people with different political stances and policy views to participate, challenging and broadening the government’s policy thinking. Governance should be guided by diversity and inclusivity, taking into account the needs and aspirations of different sectors of society.
Passing the Article 23 legislation is not the end but rather a new beginning. It signifies the start of building a better future for Hong Kong. As a result, the city government must deliver concrete results, Legco must fulfil its responsibilities and Hongkongers must regain their confidence.
There is still a great deal of work ahead, with challenges that go beyond the completion of Article 23 legislation. While it might not be the moment to pop the champagne just yet, let’s anticipate a promising future on the horizon.
Dr Tik Chi Yuen is a legislative councillor in the social welfare functional constituency
